I don't think things have really changed that much. Fifteen years ago when I started riding I was an idiot too. My skills were not even close to matching the bike I had (VF1000R) but I didn't care. Luckily I learned more about riding skills and worked to improve mine. Racing also has helped out a lot. Now I realize that my VTR, arguably not the baddest machine around, can be made to do some crazy stuff if you know how. Come to think of it, maybe I'm still an idiot.

 

Superchickencornermonster: I hear ya. I ride in Nova all the time and whenever I'm on curvy roads like Joplin in PW there are always kids puttin along, then they get out on the main highway and wanna do 130. And they wonder why they get tickets! If you ever wanna ride, let me know, I work in Manassas and live near Lake Anna. Reaper lives in Manassas too. We get together and thump all the time.

 

I know for a fact I am guilty of riding like an idiot on the roads, like going double the speed limit on twisty back-roads but who has not. Sportbikes naturaly make you want to break the law.They are no fun at slow speeds. Now I can say I do it mostly at the track where it is way more fun. Just a part of growing up.

 

It's the hot heads these kids get. They think a brand new sportbike is gonna get them more friends, more chicks, and a badass look. These kids have never ridden a bike in their lives and go out and buy a bike that can go 160+ mph.
I'm 17 years old and I know I'm a kid too. But...I have at least been riding 600cc sportbikes since I was 12, I've taken both beginner and advanced MSF courses, and I ride with older guys who have been riding for MANY years and have lots of experience...which keeps me safe.
The kids buying these bikes ride with other dumbasses who promote speeding, revving, and destroying their bikes.
I personally think that buying a bike should be done in steps. For example, if you have never owned a bike...buy a bike that is lets say 400cc or less and own it for at least a year (pretty lenient...maybe 2 years)...before you can move up to something that is maybe 750cc or less...so on and so forth.
I think that it should be a law that before you can buy a motorcycle, you must have taken the MSF course...and pass! I took the course and scored both a 100 on my written and riding test (only one to do so )...but quite a few people...people who owned a bike!!!...failed both written and riding exams! I say confiscate their bikes and make them pass before they get it back

 

You stay on that top of spirit and you will stay alive.

 

In the UK they have a graduated license system. Personally I feel that if we instituted it in the US it would be great. However with us Americans craving freedom and no restrictions, the graduated license system wouldn’t stand a chance in the political arena.

I think its easier learning how to ride a bike on a 250cc that will hit 60mph, than a 600cc that will hit 150mph. But - that may just be because I learned to ride on dirtbikes.

 

I guess i still have a little bit of dumbass in me. if im riding on a boring road and nobody is around, im going to open it up...a lot. as well as on the curvy roads...im going to open it up and have some fun. when im on a boring straight away, yeah, i do wheelies. i do not ride a 1000cc v twin sport bike to go the speed limit or be tame: if that was my goal i would go buy a 50cc scooter and save $ on the registration and insurance. this is not to say that i ride like a nut in traffic, i constantly scan and look and wait for someone thats trying to kill me... but when i feel safe, yeah, i drop the hammer. at least i wear my gear...... oh well....